GB2249304A

GB2249304A - Automated garage.

Info

Publication number: GB2249304A
Application number: GB9120020A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tomoya Tokuhiro; Yoshiyuki Iwasawa; Terou Hatano
Original assignee: Shimizu Construction Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shimizu Construction Co Ltd
Priority date: 1990-09-20
Filing date: 1991-09-19
Publication date: 1992-05-06
Also published as: FR2667101A1; DE4131409A1; GB9120020D0; JPH04129907A

Description

1 2249314 STORAGE SYSTEM AND TRANSFER METHOD THEREFOR

Backaround of the invention

The present invention relates to a storage system and a transfer method which are applicable to parking lots, warehouses, transport ships, and similar places which handle frequent movement of objects. Because of a steady increase in the number of operating automobiles and other motor vehicles in municipal areas, it has become more and more difficult to obtain parking-spaces in cities. Especially, the shortage of parking in busy business districts has become a serious detriment to their efficient operation.

As a solution to this problem, multistory parking buildings and underground multiple level parking areas have been proposed. One example of an underground multilevel parking facility is illustrated in Figures 20 and 21. Figure 20 depicts a gate for entry/exit of vehicles to a multilevel parking facility. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 depicts an entry floor through which vehicles enter and exit the parking facility. An elevator car 2, for transporting vehicles up and down, stops at the entry floor 1. A number of cylindrical rod-like loading mechanism 3 is rotatably mounted on the surface of the entry floor 1 of the elevator car 2 in such a manner that the span between the loading mechanism 3 coincides with the distance between the front and rear wheels of various vehicles. The upper portions of the loading platforms protrude upwardly from 2 the corresponding floor surfaces, so as to convey automobiles transversely between the entry floor 1 and the elevator car 2. Figure 21 depicts the details of the parking space and the elevator car 2 and Its surrounding area which are duplicated at every level of a parking building. The drawing shows one of the parking spaces 5 and its peripheral area. Between the floor 2a of the elevator car 2 and the parking space 5, vehicles are moved by a trolley 4, which Is comprised of a loading mechanism 3 as well as the elevator floor 2. In addition, each parking space 5 comprises loading mechanism 3, whereby vehicles can be transversely moved between the elevator floor 2 and the trolley 4 and likewise between the trolley 4 and the parking spaces 5.

In the above described multilevel-parking facility, the transfer of an automobile is carried out as follows: a vehicle to be parked is first driven to the entry floor 1 in such a manner that the front wheels and the rear wheels of the vehicle rest on the loading mechanism 3. Next, the vehicle is moved into the elevator car 2 by the action of the rotating loading mechanism 3. In the meantime, an empty parking space 5 is identified. Then, the elevator car 2 is moved to the floor on which the empty parking space 5 is located. Simultaneously, the trolley 4 on the parking floor is moved In front of the elevator. When the elevator car 2 reaches the parking floor, the loading mechanism 3 on the elevator floor 2 and those of the trolley 4 begin to rotate, so that the vehicle can be moved onto the trolley 4. Then, the A 3 trolley 4 transports the vehicle to the empty parking space 5. Upon arrival of the vehicle at the empty parking space 5, the loading mechanism 3 of the trolley 4 and those of the parking space rotate, whereby the vehicle is moved to the parking space. When the vehicle exits the multilevel parking facility, the above steps are reversed.

In the above described conventional parking system, there are many occasions, when the longitudinal axis of the vehicle become misaligned with respect to the axis of the loading platforms 3, leading to difficulties in moving the vehicle in and out of the elevator floor 2a and the parking space 5. In this case, although it is possible to electrically adjust the rotational speed of the loading platforms 3 to compensate for the misalignment, such an arrangement could be complicated and the operation may become complex. In addition, since the loading platforms 3 come into contact with the wheels of the vehicles, dust, mud, snow or other debris adhering to the wheels may become dislodged and interfere with the parking-operation, causing for example, slipping of the wheels on the loading platforms 3, or clogging of the loading platforms. Such a situation leads not only to improper parking but also to potentially dangerous situations for parked vehicles as well as for entering/exiting vehicles.

Furthermore, since the loading platforms 3 protrude out of the floor 1, the effective overall-height of the automobile is increased, accordingly, the space along the A 1 - & 4 route of the trolley 4 travel must be large, resulting in a large parking facIllty as a whole, having much wasted spaces. Further, it is a serious drawback that the basic concept requires the presence of the trolley 4 waiting in front of the elevator, otherwise the transfer process stalls. If mechanical problems develop in elevators or trolleys, the storage system Is likely to be disabled. The above described problems associated with the conventional parking equipment apply not only to parking facilities but also to warehouses and the like kind of a facility which are concerned with transport of objects.

Summar-v of the Invention It is therefore an object of the present Invention to provide a storage system and a transfer method in which objects can be readily and quickly transferred in as compact a facility as possible.

The present invention presents an automated process for a storage system for receiving and storing an incoming object, such as an automobile or other vehicles, and transporting the object to a storage space. The process steps can be described as follows. The object is temporarily held on a temporary holding platform; It is then transferred from the temporary holding platform to a conveyor trolley; the object is transferred from the conveyor trolley to a transfer trolley which is loaded with a pallet assigned to an empty storage space; the object Is then transferred from the conveyor trolley to z 1 0 ' - A the pallet of the transfer trolly; the object is transferred with the pallet to the storage space; thus completing the process of placing the incoming object in the storage space.

When the object is to be discharged the transfer process is basically the reverse of the above process, that is: transferring the object and a pallet holding the object from the storage space to a transfer trolley; transferring the object and the pallet from the transfer trolley to a conveyor trolley; transporting the conveyor trolley to a temporary holding space; transferring the object from the conveyor trolley to a temporary platform for temporarily holding the object; and thereby completing the process of discharging the outgoing object from the storage space.

Another variation of the present invention relates to-an automated process for a storage system for receiving and storing an incoming object. The process can be described as: transporting the object with an elevating means and holding the object on a temporary platform; transferring the object from the temporary platform to a conveyor trolley; transporting the conveyor trolley to a transfer trolley loaded with a pallet assigned to an empty storage space; transferring the object from the conveyor trolley to the pallet on the transfer trolly; transferring the pallet with the object on from the transfer trolley to the storage space; thereby completing the process of receiving incoming object in the storage space.

A 1 6 The process for discharging the object is a reverse of the above process and involves the steps of: transferring a pallet holding the object from the storage space to a transfer trolley; transferring the object on the pallet from the transfer trolley to a conveyor trolley; transporting the conveyor trolley to a temporary holding space; and transferring the object from the conveyor trolley to a temporary platform for temporarily holding the object; and thereby completing the process of discharging the outgoing object from the storage space.

An automated storage facility for storing an object is also presented and such a facility comprises: a temporary holding platform; a conveyor trolley which moves along the tracks, the conveyor trolley loaded with the object, a transfer trolley which receives the object from the conveyor trolley and transfers the object to an empty storage space; a pallet assigned to every storage space for storing the object on. The conveyor trolley is equipped with an elevatable loading platform, for holding the object during transit, on the top region of a driving section which drives the conveyor trolley; the transfer trolley is equipped with & driving section whose top section is structured to permit the pallet to be placed firmly In a given position, and is further equipped with a transfer device to move the pallet reversibly between the given position and the storage space, in which the pallet on the one hand and the temporary platform and the holding section of the conveyor trolley on the other are 4 7 comb-shaped so as to freely slidably engage the combshaped arms into each other.

Another variation of an automated storage facility for storing an object comprises: an elevating means for transporting the object to a storage floor; running tracks disposed in the vicinity of the elevating means on the storage floor; a storage space disposed in the vicinity of the running tracks; a temporary platform disposed on the running tracks and in the vicinity of the elevating means; a conveyor trolley which receives the object from the elevating means and which moves along the running tracks; a transfer trolley which receives the object from the conveyor trolley and which moves along the running tracks; a pallet which is assigned to the storage space and which stores the object on and provides means for transferring the object between the transfer trolley and the storage space. The conveyor trolley is equipped with an elevatable loading platform, for holding the object during transit, on the top region of a driving section which drives the conveyor trolley; the transfer trolley is equipped with a driving section whose top section is structured to permit the pallet to be placed firmly in a given position, and is further equipped with a transfer device to move the pallet reversibly between the given position and the storage space, in which the pallet on the one hand and the temporary platform and the holding section of the conveyor trolley on the other are comb-shaped so as to freely slidably engage the combshaped arms into each other.

A 8 Brief DesCription of the Drawings in the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the overall parking facility; Figure 2 is a Figure 3 is a shown In Figure 2; Figure 4 Is a shown In Figure 2; Figure 5 is a Figure 6 is a shown in Figure 5; Figures 7 to 12 illustrate the steps involved in moving an object from the entry/exit floor to an elevator; Figure 13 is a side view of another embodiment of the transfer device of the transfer trolley; Figure 14 is a top view of the device shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 Is a top view of the overall automated parking facility; Figure 16 is a cross sectional side view of the section from the entrylexit floor to the temporary platform; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the temporary platform; Figure 18 is a cross sectional side view of the section from the elevator to the temporary platform; top view of a conveyor trolley; side view of the conveyor trolley front view of the conveyor trolley top view of a transfer trolley; side view of the transfer trolley 1 1 9 Figure 19 is a top view of the section shown in Figure 18; Figures 20 to 21 illustrate an example of the conventional automated parking facility.

nt=-t!Rj1P-tj ng-gqn-ription of the Preferred RmhnelimAntri With reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail. The preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed for illustrative purpose, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as stated in the accompanying claims.

Figures 1 through 12 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a storage system is applied to a parking facility 10, preferably, a multilevel parking facility for efficient land utilization. Figure 1 illustrates one of the parking levels 12 of the parking facility 10. The multilevel parking'facility 10 may be constructed underground. The dimensions of each level is determined in accordance with the number of vehicles to be parked. In the parking facility 10, an elevator shaft 14 is provided for transporting vehicles to different levels.

On each of the levels, a platform 20 for temporarily storing vehicles is provided in front of the elevator 14. A transfer track 16 is provided for accessing the temporary platform 20. A plurality of parking spaces 18 1 are provided along the path of the transfer track 16. A conveyor trolley 22 for receiving a vehicle from the temporary platform 20 is located on the transfer track 16 and is able to travel along the transfer track 16. In addition, a transfer trolley 24 for moving the vehicle from the conveyor trolley 22 to the parking space 18 which accepts a pallet 26 which is a holding means for storing the vehicle during parking.

In the aforementioned elevator shaft 14, a port 14a is provided for entry/exit of the vehicle. A holding section 15 is provided inside the elevator shaft 14 which is able to be moved vertically within the elevator shaft 14. The holding section 15 includes a rectangular plate body 15a and a large number of arms 15b. The width of the rectangular plate body 15a is somewhat narrower than the inside distance between the left and right wheels of the vehicle. The arms 15b extend horizontally from both sides of the rectangular plate body 15a. The arms 15b, resembling the teeth of combs, are spaced parallel to one another and are arranged in a pair on both sides of the central plate body 15a. Front and rear wheels of the vehicle rest on the arms 15b when the deposit platform 15 is transporting the vehicle. For this purpose, the distance between the arms 15b is selected so that the wheels do not fall into the spaces between the arms. In addition, the distance (about 40 mm) between the arms 20a of the temporary platform 20 is selected so that feet of the pedestrians do not fall into the spaces between the arms.

a 11 The holding section 15 is set to stop at the floor level of the parking floor 12. When the holding section 15 stops at the parking floor 12, a vehicle can be transferred to the parking level 12 through the port 14a of the elevator shaft 14. The aforementioned transfer track 16 is a path way formed on the floor of the parking level 12 so as to pass through the front of the port 14a.

The level of the transfer track 16 is set lower than the stopping position of the holding section 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer track 16-is formed straight. However, by suitably arranging the parking spaces 18, the transfer track 16 may be formed in a curvilinear shape. In such a case, an arrangement as illustrated in Figure 4 can be utilized in which the transfer track 16 accommodates a guiding rail 16a in combination with a rotating platform 36.

- The parking spaces 18, each space having an area sufficient for parking one vehicle, are arranged on both sides of the transfer track 16.

The temporary platform 20 is arranged so that its comb-shaped arms 20a are able to pass vertically through the arms 15a of the holding section 15. The arms 20a are located at the upper section of the transfer track 16 and protrude toward the center line of the transfer track 16 from both sides of the transfer track 16. The ends of the arms 20a are spaced wider than the width of the rectangular plate body 15a of the holding section 15.

The main components of the conveyor trolley 22 are, as shown in Figures I to 4, the running section 30 for 1 1 12 moving about on the running tack 16 and the loading platform 32 for elevating and lowering the vehicle freely.

The running section 30 is provided, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, with a Tshaped chassis 34 having near its end region three freely rotatable wheels 36, two of which disposed near the end of the protruding portion of the chassis 34 are driven by a driving motor 38. The two rotating wheels 36, connected by an axle 39, together with a belt 40, a pulley 39a an the axle 39 and a pulley 38a on the driving motor 38, constitute a running mechanism 41.

The loading platform 32 has a shape and size similar to the holding section 15, so that the plate body 32a and the arms 32b of the loading platform 32 are able to pass vertically through the temporary platform 20. The loading platform 32 is freely movable vertically by means of a lifting device 43 disposed on an upper portion of -the chassis 34. The lifting device 43 comprises two link members 44, 45 which are pinned at their midpoint and a driving cylinder 46 which drives the link members 44, 45.

The link members 44; 45 are arranged in a cross, and one end of each of the link members 44, 45 is made into a rotatable pin connection such that one end (45a) is connected to a protrusion 34a of the chassis 34 and the other end (44a) to a protrusion 32a of the loading platform 32. The opposite ends of the link members 44, 45 are made into rotatable operating parts 44b, 45b by connecting the ends to rotating rollers 47, 48. The a 13 rotating body 47 is made to contact the top surface of the chassis 34, and the other rotating roller 48 is made to contact the lower surface of the loading platform 32.

The driving cylinder 46 is solidly fixed to a retaining block 34b which is firmly fixed to the top surface of the chassis 34. The distal end of the piston 46a of the cylinder 46 is pin connected to the rotating roller 47 so as to permit a rotating movement. Therefore, by extending and contracting the piston 46a of the driving cylinder 46, it is possible to raise-or lower the loading platform 32. This operation is explained as follows. When the piston 46a is extended, the rotating roller 47 attached to the link member 44 experiences a thrusting force, and the link member 44 tries to rotate around a pivoting pin connection (with the other link member 45). The thrusting force is also felt by link member 45, through the pin connection, and this link member also tries to rotate. Such a rotating action of both link members 44, 45 around their respective center of rotation, 44a and 45a results in a vertical movement of the loading platform 32, thus producing the elevating action of the loading platform 32. When the loading platform 32 is to be lowered, by contracting the piston 46a, an opposite action is produced thereby achieving the lowering action of the loading platform 32.

The lifting device 43, described above, can be of any suitable design provided that it is dimensioned suitably, and is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the loading platform and the vehicle. Therefore, the 1 14 lifting mechanism can be made by arranging an opposing pair of piston 46a connected to the cylinders 46, and connecting the ends to the retaining block 34b and to a protrusion 34a, and attaching the loading platform to appropriate rotating roller 47.

The main components of the transfer trolley 24 are, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, carriage section 50 for running on the transfer track 16, and a transfer mechanism 52 which moves the pallet 26 to from the carriage 50.

As shown in Figure 1, the carriage section 50 is based on a U-shaped transfer chassis 54, whose opening portion faces the direction of travel on the running tack 16. On each of the corners of the transfer chassis 54 is equipped with a rotating wheel 54 so a:s to be free rotatable in the travelling direction. Two of the rotating bodies 54, disposed on the base section of the chassis 54, are connected with an axle 58. on one side of the axle 58 is disposed a transfer motor 59 whose axis is parallel with the axis of the axle 58. The axle 58 and the driving axle 59a of the transfer motor 59 are each provided with a pulley 58a and 59b respectively, and the pulleys are connected by a belt 60 to constitute the running mechanism 61.

As shown in Figure 1, on the top surface of the transfer chassis 54, two pallet retaining devices 54a, having loading guide platforms 64, are provided to load the pallet 26 on and off the transfer chassis 54. The transfer mechanism 52 moves the pallet 26 reversibly t 1 between the parking space 18 and the pallet retaining device 54a.

The main components of the transfer mechanism 52 are: as shown In Figures 5 and 6, a transfer device 63 which moves the pallet 26 in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the transfer trolley 24; and guiding track 65 which are oriented in the same direction. The guiding tack 65 Is hook-shaped and is constructed with a high-walled section 65a and a lowwalled section 65b, which is disposed oppositely to the pallet retaining device 54a and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the transfer trolley 24. On the inside of the high-walled section 65a is disposed a loading platform guide 65c while on the inside of the lowwalled section 65b is disposed a rack gear 68.

The transfer device 63 comprises: a transfer motor 69 attached to a support jig 67 which can slide along the guiding track 65; a pinion gear 70 driven by the transfer motor 69; and a conveyor trolley section 71. The support jig 67 includes two protruding arms 67c extending towards the pallet retaining device 54a from the side of the wall section 67b, which is standing vertically upwards from the sliding surface 67a which is in contact with the guiding track 65. The transfer motor 69 and the pinion gear 70 are both fixed to the side surface 67b (of the support jig 67) which faces the pallet retaining device 54a. The conveyor trolley section 71 is fixed to the tip end of the protruding arm 67c of the support jig 67. The conveyor trolley section 71 comprises: a number of 16 rollers 74 along the plate body 72 which spans between the protruding arm 67c; and a rotator 75 which drives the rollers 74 through an endless chain 76. The transfer motor 69 and the pinion gear 70 and the transfer motor 69 and the conveyor trolley section 71 are all connected by belts 77, through clutch mechanisms (not shown). Further, on the top surface of the transfer chassis 54, guide rollers 64 are installed, at intervals, in the direction of the transfer movement of the pallet 26. On the side surface of the pallet 26, there is a series of pawls 26a to engage with the chain 76 which is provided on the conveyor trolley section 71 of the transfer trolley 24. In the following, the method of using the parking facility 10 will be explained in terms of the various phases of the operation.

Transport of the vehicle from the entry floor to the elevator AS shown in Figure 8, the holding section 15 within the elevator shaft 14 is stopped at a position which is slightly lower than the floor level of the entry floor 80. As shown in Figure 8, the driver stops the vehicle 85 on the comb-shaped arms 80a of the entry floor 80 so that the front and back wheels are on the combshaped arms 80a, and at this point, the driver leaves the vehicle 85. If another vehicle is to be allowed to enter the entry 1 17 floor 80 while leaving the previous vehicle 85 on the entry floor, a supplemental entry floor 81 can be provided at the rear of the vehicle 85. In this case, the driver places the vehicle 85 on the combshaped arms Sla as before, and leaves the vehicle 85. Subsequently, this new vehicle is moved into the entry floor 80 by means of a conveyor trolley 22 which is kept ready beneath the supplemental entry floor 81. After the moving is completed, the conveyor trolley is returned to the waiting location, and waits for the next vehicle on the supplemental floor 81.

After this phase of the operation, a slide plate S stored in the lower section of the holding section 15 is slid into position on the entry floor, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, so as to engage the comb-shaped arms 15b of the holding section 15 into the comb-shaped arms 80a of the entry floor 80.

Next, as shown in Figure 11, the elevator shaft 14 is raised slightly to position the holding section 15 so as to transfer the vehicle 85 onto the holding section 15. In this condition, the holding section 15 is returned to the elevator shaft 14, thus completing the transfer process of the vehicle 85 into the elevator shaft 14.

Transfer from the elevator to the temporary platform The holding section 15 is now moved to the parking floor 12, as Illustrated In Figure 1 or 18.

18 The holding section is stopped at a position slightly higher than the arms 20a of the temporary platform 20. The holding section 15 is slid into position on the temporary platform while engaging the arms 15b and 20a, as before, and lowering the holding section 15 to complete the transfer of the vehicle 85 onto the temporary platform 20.

3. Transfer of the vehicle from the temporary platform to the conveyor trolley on the parking floor In reference to Figure 1 or 18, when the vehicle 85 is moved onto the temporary platform 20, the conveyor trolley 22 is moved, by activating the running section 30, directly beneath the temporary platform. The conveyor trolley 22 is stopped at a position so as to engage the arms 20a of the temporary platform 20 into the arms 32b of the loading platform 32. In this condition, the loading platform 32 is at its lowest position. At this time, when the lifting device 43 of the conveyor trolley 22 is activated to lift the loading platform 32, the vehicle 85 will now be supported by the loading platform 32 instead of by the temporary platform 20.

4. Transfer from the conveyor trolley to the transfer trolley In reference to Figure 1, the transfer trolley 24 is kept ready and waiting, with the pallet 26 1 1 1 19 from the empty parking space 18 on it. After the vehicle Is loaded onto the conveyor trolley 22, either one or both of the conveyor trolley 22 and the transfer trolley are operated so as to approach one another. When the conveyor trolley 22 meets the transfer trolley 24, the conveyor trolley 22 enters through the opening of the transfer trolley, and stops at a position to engage the arms of the pallet 26 into the arms 32b of the loading platform 32 of the conveyor trolley 22. When the loading platform 32 is lowered in this condition, the vehicle is left on the pallet of the transfer trolley 24. When this job is completed, the conveyor trolley 22 heads back to the temporary platform 20 to pick up another vehicle.

5. Transfer from the transfer trolley to the parking space In reference to Figure 1, the transfer trolley 24 with the vehicle is moved in front of the parking space from which the pallet 26 had been taken. The transfer mechanism 52 of the transfer trolley 24 is moved together with the pallet 26 until they approach the parking space 18 as close as possible, and from this position on only the transfer mechanism 52 is moved to transfer the pallet 26 onto the parking space 18. When this operation is completed, the transfer mechanism 52 is returned to the central location of the transfer trolley 24.

T The above described process refers to the parking process of the vehicle from the time of entry into the entry floor. When the vehicle is to leave the parking space, the process steps are reversed. The parking system and the parking building according to the present embodiment provide the following advantageous features. (1) By providing the temporary platform 20 in front of the elevator shaft 14, it becomes possible to transport vehicles into the parking building by the elevator shaft 14 irrespective of the availability of the conveyor trolley 22. Further, the conveyor trolley 22 can be operated independently of the transfer process of the elevator shaft 14. These are important features for improving the operating efficiency of the parking system. (2) By making the loading platform 32 (of the conveyor trolley 22) vertically adjustable, thereby permitting lowering of the conveyor trolley 22 during the transit, it hasbecome possible to provide double benefits, of achieving increased stability due to lowered center of gravity and reduced deadspace inside the parking facility 10. (3) By using the transfer trolley 24 for moving the vehicle from the conveyor trolley 22 to the parking space 18, it has become possible to lighten the conveyor trolley 22 and improving the speed of the parking operation.

1 1 7 1 1 21 Further, it has become possible to separate and specialize the functions of the various components by restricting their roles: the conveyor trolley 22 for moving the vehicles between the temporary platform 20 and the transfer trolley 24 only; the transfer trolley 24 for moving the vehicles from the conveyor trolley 22 to the parking space 18 only, thereby minimizing the lost time such as waiting time for the vehicles to arrive.

Next, another embodiment of the transfer mechanism of the transfer trolley 24 will be presented in reference to Figures 13 and 14. The main components of the transfer mechanism 52 are: guiding track 90 provided along the pallet wall, a L-shaped movable support jig 91 provided along the guiding track 90, driving motors 92, 93 disposed on the support jig 91 and a driving gear 94. The driving motor 92 is installed, on the pallet loading side of the vertical wall of the support jig 91, with its output shaft 92a facing downward. On this output shaft 92a is attached a pinion gear 92b. The output torque from the output shaft 92a is transmitted to the pallet 26 through a pinion gear 92b, pinion gears 95, 96 and a rack gear 97 disposed on the side surface of the pallet 26. The driving motor 93 is installed on the opposite side of the support jig 91, where the driving motor 92 is installed. There is a pinion gear 93b attached to the output shaft 93a. This pinion gear 93b T 22 is kept in the engaged state with the rack gear 98 provided on the transfer chassis 54 on the transfer trolley 24.

In this embodiment of the transfer mechanism 52, it is possible to move the pallet 26 by operating the driving motor 92, and to move the support jig 91 by operating the driving motor 93.

According to the transfer trolley 24 of this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the transfer mechanism 52, thereby lightening the transfer trolly and permitting increased speed of operation.

Other embodiments of the present invention are presented in reference to Figures 15 to 19. The construction features common to the previously presented embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are not repeated.

In the parking facility presented in this embodiment, each of the temporary platforms 20 is accessible from the entry road 100, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, and extends in the longitudinal direction.

The entry road 100 is an access road branching from above-ground or belowground public roads, and as shown in Figure 16, it provides access to the below ground parking levels 101, 102 through slopes 103, 104, to parking floors. Only the below ground parking is illustrated, but above ground parking can be accessed similarly or by elevators.

The temporary platform 20 shown in Figures 15 to 17 is arranged so that the vehicles can be stopped in a line z 1 1 1 t configuration, and to accommodate the pedestrian walks 106 along the side. In this embodiment, parallel pedestrian walks 106 are provided along both sides of the platform 20. The arrangement of the temporary platform is made in accordance with the local requirements.

To use the parking facility presented in this e diment, the vehicles are driven through the access road 100 onto temporary platform 20 and are parked in a line in succession. The driver leaves the vehicle, and exits the parking facility through the pedestrian walk 106. The vehicles are moved onto the transfer trolley (not shown) by means of conveyor trolleys (not shown). The transfer trolley transports the vehicles to respective parking spaces.

This embodiment allows placement of a number of vehicles on the temporary platform 20. Therefore, It is becomes possible to place a vehicle on the platform 20 irrespective of whether the previous vehicles have been transported away.

The arrangement of the temporary platform 20 is not limited to such a linear configuration. The platforms 20 can be extended sideways. The essential point is that parking facility should match the lot conditions.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a self-moving temporary platform 20. This self-moving platform 20 is constructed with a pair of opposing chain of arms 20a protruding horizontally towards each other from Its respective driving mechanism. The left and right wheels of a vehicle are placed on each side of arms 20a and Its 24 speed of transport is adjusted by varying the speed of the chain rotation.

The temporary platform 20 moves the vehicles by moving the chain through a distance corresponding to one vehicle at a time. A vehicle to be parked is located at the front end of the platform 20, and the rear end of the platform 20 is always left vacant to receive an incoming vehicle. A vehicle to leave the parking facility can always be placed on the platform 20 so that the front end faces the exit road.

The parking facility shown in Figures 18 and 19 is constructed so that the transfer track 16 and the temporary platform 20 exist on the front and the rear side of the elevator shaft 14. The holding section 15 within the elevator shaft 14 is equipped with an elevating device 15c and the running device 15d.

By having such an arrangement, a variety of layout designs for the transfer track 16 becomes possible, -leading to flexible utilization of the entire parking facility. This design also allows the elevator shaft 14 to serve as transporting of incoming as well as exiting vehicles by choosing appropriately from among the waiting vehicles on the temporary platform 16 on its front and the rear sections. An efficient operation of the parking facility is acheved by such efficient utilization of the component parts which significantly reduce the transport time required for incoming and exiting vehicles.

The parking facility and system of the present invention are not limited to those embodiments described n above. For example, the elevator is not necessary mandatory for transporting the vehicles, the essence of the invention relates in general to the process of accepting and transporting storage objects, such as a vehicle, after they have been placed on the temporary holding platform. Other variations include surrounding the elevator shaft 14 with a plurality of temporary platforms 20 and,running tracks 16, as well as arranging the parking spaces 18 on different levels along the transfer track 16, which can be accessed by transfer trolley 24 equipped with an elevating device.

A number of running tracks having branching lines is also possible, in which case, effects similar to rail transport services can be achieved. If a parking facility of the invented type is provided for department stores, customers can purchase in one department store and exit through parking facility of another department store.

When the running tracks 16 cross, a turn table, or other route switching device, can be installed at the intersection to perform re-routing of the tracks.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been presented with reference to automobile vehicles, but it is clear from the foregoing description of the versatility of the system that the invented facility for handling stored objects can equally be applied to all types of moving goods, might they be warehoused goods or other objects requiring storage and delivery.

26

Claims

What is claimed Is: 1. An automated system for a storage process for

receiving an Incoming object and transporting said object to a storage space, said process comprising the steps of:

(a) holding the object on a temporary holding platform for holding the object temporarily; (b) transferring the object from the temporary holding platform to a conveyor trolley; (c) transporting the conveyor trolley to a transfer trolley loaded with a pallet assigned to an empty storage space; (d) transferring the object from said conveyor trolley to the pallet of said transfer trolly; (e) transferring the object with the pallet to the storage space; and thereby completing the process of receiving the incoming object in the storage space.
2. An automated system for a storage process for transporting a discharging object from a storage space to a discharging space and discharging said object, said process comprising the steps of:

(a) transferring the object and a pallet holding the object from the storage space to a transfer trolley; (b) transferring the object and the pallet from the transfer trolley to a conveyor trolley; (c) transporting the conveyor trolley to a temporary holding space; 1.

1 27 (d) transferring the object from the conveyor trolley to a temporary platform for temporarily holding the object; and thereby completing the process of discharging the outgoing object from the storage space.
3. An automated system for a storage process for receiving an incoming object and transporting said object to a storage space, said process comprising the steps of; (a) transporting the object with an elevating means and holding the object on a temporary platform; (b) transferring the object from the temporary platform to a conveyor trolley; (c) transporting the conveyor trolley to a transfer trolley loaded with a pallet assigned to an empty storage space; (d) transferring the object from the conveyor trolley to the pallet on the transfer trolly; (e) transferring the pallet with the object on from the transfer trolley to the storage space; thereby completing the process of receiving incoming object in the storage space.
4. An automated system for a storage process for transporting an outgoing object from a storage space to a discharging space and discharging the object, said process comprising the steps of:

(a) transferring a pallet holding the object from the storage space to a transfer trolley; 1 28 (b) transferring the object on the pallet from the transfer trolley to a conveyor trolley; (c) transporting the conveyor trolley to a and temporary holding spacet (d) transferring the object from the conveyor trolley to a temporary platform for temporarily holding the object; and thereby completing the process of discharging the outgoing object from the storage space.
5. An automated storage facility for storing an object comprising:

(a) a temporary holding platform; (b) a conveyor trolley which moves along the tracks, said conveyor trolley loaded with the object, a transfer trolley which receives the object from the conveyor trolley and transfers the object to an empty storage space; (d) a pallet assigned to every storage space for storing the object on; wherein (e) said conveyor trolley Is equipped with an elevatable, loading platform, for holding the object during transit, on the-top region of a driving section which drives the conveyor trolley; (f) said transfer trolley is equipped with a driving section whose top section is structured to permit said pallet to be placed firmly in a 1 p..

f l; il 29 given position, and is further equipped with a transfer device to move the pallet reversibly between the given position and the storage space, and wherein (g) the pallet on the one hand and the temporary platform and the holding section of the conveyor trolley on the other are comb-shaped so as to freely slidably engage the comb-shaped arms into each other.
6. An automated storage facility for storing an object comprising:

(a) an elevating means for transporting the object to a storage floor; (b) running tracks disposed in the vicinity of the elevating means on the storage floor; - (c) a storage space disposed in the vicinity of the running tracks; (d) a temporary platform disposed on the running tracks and in the vicinity of the elevating means a conveyor trolley which receives the object from the elevating means and which moves along the running tracks; (f) a transfer trolley which receives the object from the conveyor trolley and which moves along the running tracks; (g) a pallet which is assigned to the storage space and which stores the object on and provides means for transferring the object between the transfer trolley and the storage space; wherein (h) said conveyor trolley Is equipped with an elevatable loading platform, for holding the object during transit, on the top region of a driving section which drives the conveyor trolley; (I) said transfer trolley is equipped with a driving section whose top s6ction is structured to permit said pallet to be placed firmly in a given position, and is further equipped with a transfer device to move the pallet reversibly between the given position and the storage space, and wherein (j) the pallet on the one hand and the temporary platform and the holding section of the conveyor trolley on the other are comb-shaped so as to freely slidably engage the comb-shaped arms Into each other.
7. An automated system for a storage process for receiving an incoming object and transporting said object to a storage space substantially as herein described with reference to and:! as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
8. An automated system for a storage process for transporting a discharging object from a storage space to a discharging space -nd discharging said object substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.